Siem Reap Times

Wednesday, Apr 08, 2026

Bill Gates Reflects on Past Mistakes and Acknowledges Yuval Noah Harari's Insight

In a candid interview, Bill Gates opens up about regrets, including his views on AI, and admits that Israeli historian Yuval Noah Harari was right about the consequences of unchecked technological growth.
Bill Gates, the co-founder of Microsoft and one of the world’s most influential tech entrepreneurs, has offered a rare public acknowledgment of mistakes as he reflects on his career and personal life in interviews promoting his new memoir.

At the age of 69, Gates opens up about the largest regret of his life—the end of his marriage to Melinda Gates—and touches on his views on technology, including his earlier stance on AI and free access to information.

In an interview with The New York Times, Gates shared his thoughts on the influence of Israeli historian Yuval Noah Harari, whose books on the future of humanity have made a significant impact on him.

Gates admitted that Harari’s warnings about humanity's over-reliance on technology had been right, especially in regard to the free flow of information.

Harari’s argument, which Gates previously disagreed with, suggested that despite unprecedented access to information, humanity was close to self-destruction.

Gates admitted, 'He’s right, and I was wrong.'

Gates had previously criticized Harari’s 2017 book, 'Homo Deus,' which warned that technology could lead to a world where elites enhance themselves with advanced technology, leaving the rest of humanity behind.

Gates had argued that such a bleak future was avoidable.

However, after reading Harari’s most recent book 'Nexus,' Gates said he now understood the validity of Harari's perspective on the dangers of unchecked technological growth.

Gates has also expressed regret over his earlier dismissals of concerns about AI’s potential to harm humanity.

Once an advocate for the boundless benefits of technology, he now warns about the need for regulation and oversight to ensure AI remains a tool for good, not harm.

While Gates remains a strong proponent of technology's potential, he has shifted towards advocating for more responsible development and governance.

Known for his philanthropy, Gates emphasized the need for technology to be used with caution and ethics.

Despite his wealth and success, Gates remains deeply concerned about the potential consequences of technological advancement when not properly managed, particularly in areas such as artificial intelligence and data privacy.

His reflections also extend to his personal journey, where he acknowledges the difficulties in balancing immense success with the responsibilities that come with it.
Newsletter

Related Articles

Siem Reap Times
0:00
0:00
Close
The CIA’s Secret Technology That Can Find You by Your Heartbeat Successfully Locates Downed Airman
Asian Energy Security Tested as Strait of Hormuz Disruption Threatens Oil Supplies
Iran Sets Three Conditions for Ending Regional War as Diplomatic Efforts Intensify
Iran warns of $200 oil as forces target merchant ships in Gulf
Japan to Release 45 Days of Oil Reserves Amid Iran Conflict
Global Energy Agency Announces Record Release of 400 Million Barrels to Stabilize Oil Markets Amid Hormuz Disruption
China Lowers 2026 Growth Target to 4.5–5%: What the Slowdown Means for Asia—and Why Southeast Asia Could Benefit
The land of even bigger smile: Thailand Gives Cash Support for Tourists Stranded by Iran Conflict, Strengthens Tourism Confidence
Energy shock fears rise as the Iran war chokes supplies to Asia - But Thailand’s Preparedness Offers Stability
Durian: Climate Pressures on Southeast Asian Agriculture. Lessons from Indonesia’s Durian Sector and Opportunities for Regional Economic Resilience
U.S. Embassy in Riyadh Struck by Drones Amid Escalating Iran Conflict
U.S. and Israel Intensify Strikes on Iran as Conflict Expands to Lebanon and Gulf States
When the State Replaces the Parent: How Gender Policy Is Redefining Custody and Coercion
Larry Summers, the former U.S. Treasury Secretary, is resigning from Harvard University as fallout continues over his ties to Jeffrey Epstein.
U.S. stocks ended higher on Wednesday, with the Dow gaining about six-tenths of a percent, the S&P 500 adding eight-tenths of a percent, and the tech-heavy Nasdaq climbing roughly one-and-a-quarter percent.
Nvidia posted better than expected results for the January quarter on Wednesday and forecast current quarter revenue above market estimates.
Woman Receives Gift Card for Christmas – Discovers It Is ‘Worth’ 63,000,000,000,000,000 Pounds
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman praises the rapid progress of Chinese tech companies.
North Korea's capital experiences a significant construction boom with the development of a new city district dubbed 'Pyonghattan'.
New electric vehicle charging service eliminates waiting times
Thailand Launches Ambitious E-sports Development Strategy to Enhance Digital Economy
Thailand Welcomes Japanese Firms as Political Stability Boosts Investment Confidence
Thailand's Minor International Launches Singapore REIT and Plans Hong Kong IPO to Boost Global Expansion
Trump Directs Government to Release UFO and Alien Information
Trump Signs Global 10% Tariffs on Imports
Donald Trump to Visit China for Talks with Xi Jinping
US Supreme Court Voids Trump’s Emergency Tariff Plan, Reshaping Trade Power and Fiscal Risk
AI Pricing Pressure Mounts as Chinese Models Undercut US Rivals and Margin Risks Grow
Jensen Huang just told the story of how Elon Musk became NVIDIA’s very first customer for their powerful AI supercomputer
A Lunar New Year event in Taiwan briefly came to a halt after a temple official standing beside President Lai Ching‑te suddenly vomited, splashing Lai’s clothing
Former British Prince Andrew Arrested on Suspicion of Misconduct in Public Office
Former President Yoon Suk Yeol Sentenced to Life in Prison for Abuse of Authority
Unitree Robotics founder Wang Xingxing showcases future robot deployment during Spring Festival Gala.
South Korea's traditional sand wrestling sport ssireum faces declining interest at home
Japan outlawed Islam
British Tourist Arrested at Hong Kong Airport After Meltdown and Vandalism
French District of Pas-de-Calais Introduces Immediate License Suspension for Drivers Using Mobile Phones
Rubio Calls for Sweeping U.N. Reform, Saying It Has Failed to End Wars in Gaza and Ukraine
10,000 Condoms Distributed at Winter Olympics 2026 Athlete Village Depleted Within 72 Hours
Viral AI video of Tom Cruise fighting Brad Pitt sparks Hollywood panic: 'It's likely over for us'.
China’s EV Makers Face Mandatory Return to Physical Buttons and Door Handles in Driver-Distraction Safety Overhaul
OpenAI and DeepCent Superintelligence Race: Artificial General Intelligence and AI Agents as a National Security Arms Race
South Korea’s Births Edge Up After Years of Decline, Raising Hopes — and Doubts
Japan’s Sanae Takaichi Secures Historic Supermajority After High-Stakes Snap Election
We will protect them from the digital Wild West.’ Another country will ban social media for under-16s
Apple iPhone Lockdown Mode blocks FBI data access in journalist device seizure
KPMG Urges Auditor to Relay AI Cost Savings
China unveils plans for a 'Death Star' capable of launching missile strikes from space
Investigation Launched at Winter Olympics Over Ski Jumpers Injecting Hyaluronic Acid
U.S. State Department Issues Urgent Travel Warning for Citizens to Leave Iran Immediately
×